University of Oxford
Oxford AI-Driven Business Transformation Executive Programme
Bring your organisation from AI ideation to real-world impact with a programme that prepares experienced professionals to think critically and develop strategic solutions to emerging AI technologies.
Start date
09 July 2025
Course duration
5 months
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7-10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
45% of organisations report using AI in three or more business functions.
McKinsey & Company (Mar, 2025).
47% of the C-Suite state their companies are developing gen AI tools too slowly.
McKinsey & Company (Jan, 2025).
Duration: 5 months (excluding orientation)
Getting measurable ROI out of AI requires a top-down approach that goes beyond technical implementation: it requires cross-department alignment and collaboration that levels up to broader organisational objectives. Executives must deploy system-wide AI solutions that deliver a distinct competitive advantage and become a foundational cornerstone of the organisation.
The Oxford AI-Driven Business Transformation Executive Programme is a powerhouse offering for forward-thinking leaders who want the knowledge and skills to confidently navigate business decisions at the intersection of AI, innovation and strategy. Integrating content from three leading Saïd Business School, University of Oxford programmes into one cohort learning experience, this programme helps you develop, implement and lead AI innovation strategies that are reflective of the ethical, legal and societal implications of the technology.
Our cohort model facilitates collaboration and networking among participants, instructors and guest experts to empower you to explore the ever-evolving topic of AI through a cross-industry, cross-functional lens.
At the end of the programme, you will complete a capstone project leveraging the Oxford view of strategy: Purposes, Players, Partnerships and Processes. You will be poised to bring insights and learnings back to your organisation to drive meaningful, measurable and lasting change.
The Oxford AI-Driven Business Transformation Executive Programme is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The programme has an estimated 190 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on you. Oxford Saïd and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
Is this course for you?
If you are interested in harnessing the power of AI to spur accelerated innovation and growth for your organisation, this programme is for you. Senior and top-level management professionals, including consultants and entrepreneurs, who are responsible for or influence AI strategy and innovation will immensely benefit from this programme. Technical experts who are looking for concrete real-life examples to incorporate AI, innovation and strategy will discover how to create practical solutions for their organisations.
Course overview
Duration: 5 months (excluding orientation)
Getting measurable ROI out of AI requires a top-down approach that goes beyond technical implementation: it requires cross-department alignment and collaboration that levels up to broader organisational objectives. Executives must deploy system-wide AI solutions that deliver a distinct competitive advantage and become a foundational cornerstone of the organisation.
The Oxford AI-Driven Business Transformation Executive Programme is a powerhouse offering for forward-thinking leaders who want the knowledge and skills to confidently navigate business decisions at the intersection of AI, innovation and strategy. Integrating content from three leading Saïd Business School, University of Oxford programmes into one cohort learning experience, this programme helps you develop, implement and lead AI innovation strategies that are reflective of the ethical, legal and societal implications of the technology.
Our cohort model facilitates collaboration and networking among participants, instructors and guest experts to empower you to explore the ever-evolving topic of AI through a cross-industry, cross-functional lens.
At the end of the programme, you will complete a capstone project leveraging the Oxford view of strategy: Purposes, Players, Partnerships and Processes. You will be poised to bring insights and learnings back to your organisation to drive meaningful, measurable and lasting change.
The Oxford AI-Driven Business Transformation Executive Programme is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The programme has an estimated 190 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on you. Oxford Saïd and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
Is this course for you?
If you are interested in harnessing the power of AI to spur accelerated innovation and growth for your organisation, this programme is for you. Senior and top-level management professionals, including consultants and entrepreneurs, who are responsible for or influence AI strategy and innovation will immensely benefit from this programme. Technical experts who are looking for concrete real-life examples to incorporate AI, innovation and strategy will discover how to create practical solutions for their organisations.
Get this course for your team
Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
What will set you apart
The ability to navigate the intersection of AI, innovation and strategy, gaining insights into how AI can reshape business models and fuel innovation
The hands-on skills to strategically leverage AI and emerging technologies to turn opportunities into real-world solutions for a competitive advantage
The leadership approach to drive innovation by combining technology, organisational culture and governance considerations, focusing on making innovation routine and impactful in an AI-driven world
The understanding of the Oxford view of strategy to create a personalised AI strategy and innovation playbook for your business unit or organisation 
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forwardCurriculum
Programme orientation
Welcome to your Online Campus
Section I: Artificial intelligence
Over six weeks, you will explore the capabilities of AI and gain an in-depth understanding of AI history, functionality, capabilities and ethical considerations. You will have the opportunity to reflect on the implications and opportunities of AI in various contexts, and build a solid business case for its implementation within your organisation.
Section II: Strategic innovation
Following a one-week programme break, you will begin Section II by challenging your existing ideas of innovation beyond technological ‘disruption’. Over six weeks, you will adopt a strategic approach to innovation; specifically, you’ll learn to build organisational systems, structures and culture that routinely facilitate innovation.
Section III: Executive strategy
After a one-week programme break, you will learn about the Oxford view of strategy, including its focus on breadth in strategic thinking and its core framework guided by the four Ps of strategy: Purposes, Players, Partnerships and Processes. Over seven weeks, you will create your own strategy statement, and become equipped to propose improved strategy processes for your organisation.
This highly practical programme uses rich global case studies to engage with new concepts, directly associating the theory to practical application.
What past students
think
Neil J.
Product and Solutions Lead, Patient Solutions
I'm a believer in Oxford online courses, and this innovation programme is the best yet! The course is tremendously relevant to my current work, and I've already used the definitions and frameworks to help me advance innovation in global pharma. [...] As with all my Oxford courses, I've connected with people from around the globe. Overall, a wonderful experience [and I] can't wait to put the learnings into practice. [...]
Programme directors
Matthias Holweg
American Standard Companies Professor of Operations Management, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Marc Ventresca
Associate Professor of Strategic Management, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Trudi Lang
Associate Professor in Management Practice and Programme Director of the Oxford Executive Strategy Programme, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
Richard Whittington
Professor of Strategic Management, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
About the certificate
Learn to strategically deploy AI to drive improved business outcomes and earn an official executive certificate of attendance from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with your digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the programme handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the programme.
Get more information
Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
